The equivalent of the American cowboy is called a gaucho in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The vast plains of Venezuela are called the Llanos and the horsemen (cowboys) are called llaneros. Angel Falls in the Guiana Highlands is the world's highest waterfall

Venezuela history

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and New Granada, which became Colombia). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Hugo CHAVEZ, president from 1999 to 2013, sought to implement his "21st Century Socialism," which purported to alleviate social ills while at the same time attacking capitalist globalization and existing democratic institutions. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, rampant violent crime, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

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Conventional long form: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Conventional short form: Venezuela

Local long form: Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela

Local short form: Venezuela

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Venezuela's capital city is Caracas

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Venezuela Constitution:

30 December 1999;

amended 15 February 2009

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Venezuela population growth rate: 1.468%

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Venezuela highest point: Pico Bolivar 5,007 m

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Venezuela lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

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About 3% of Venezuela's land is arable.

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Orinoco River is the Longest River in Venezuela

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Venezuela birth rate is 20 births/1,000 population

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Venezuela infant mortality rate is 20 deaths/1,000 live births

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Venezuela fertility rate is 2.37 children born/woman

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Venezuela climate:

tropical;

hot, humid;

more moderate in highlands

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Top 10 cities of Venezuela with populations (2012 est.) are:

1. Caracas: 3,000,000

2. Maracay: 1,754,256

3. Valencia: 1,385,083

4. Barquisimeto: 809,490

5. Maracaibo: 2,225,000

6. Ciudad Guayana: 746,535

7. Maturín: 410,972

8. Barcelona: 424,795

9. Puerto La Cruz: 370,000

10. Petare: 364,684

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Venezuela ethnic groups:

Spanish

Italian

Portuguese

Arab

German

African

indigenous people

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Venezuela Exports:

petroleum

bauxite and aluminum

minerals

chemicals

agricultural products

basic manufactures

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Venezuela Imports:

agricultural products

livestock

raw materials

machinery and equipment

transport equipment

construction materials

medical equipment

pharmaceuticals

chemicals

iron and steel products

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unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (165 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve five-year terms; three seats reserved for the indigenous peoples of Venezuela)